President Peter Mutharika has hailed Silver Strikers for beating Tanzanian side Young Africans 1-0 in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round first leg on Saturday.
Andrew Joseph scored the lone goal as the Bankers saw off Yanga at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe to have a slight advantage going into the return leg of the Confederation of African Football elite tournament in Dar es Salaam this Saturday.
In a statement released yesterday, the President said: “Congratulations our flag carriers in the CAF Champions League, Silver Strikers FC, for edging Yanga FC.
“A few days ago, I engaged the Minister of State, Honourable Alfred Gangata, to mobilise motivation and support for the team as the sole carriers of our pride and ambitions.
“As I said when I hosted a rally at Katoto Freedom Park in Mzuzu, I am a sportsperson and, therefore, sports development is one of the pillars of this government. I am, therefore, excited with the result of the game.”
Mutharika has since wished the Bankers the best of luck as they prepare for the return leg.
He said: “Be assured that I will be rooting for you all the way into the next round.
“May you make your presence on the continental stage felt and your success flow over to other teams and all other sport disciplines.”
Silver Strikers board chairperson George Kaudza Masina described the President’s gesture as a motivation.
He said: “Coming from citizen number one, it’s a big motivation to the boys and an encouragement to the board. With his words of encouragement, the boys and the technical staff are likely to up their game so as to represent the country well.”
To qualify for the second round, the Reserve Bank of Malawi-sponsored side booted out Malagasy side Elgeco Plus on away goal rule after playing out a one-all draw away in Mauritius and a goaless draw at home.
